Stewart Mandel’s Top 5 Heisman Trophy candidates after Week 12

On Thursday, Lamar Jackson's Louisville team laid an egg against Houston, opening the floor to other candidates for the first time in months.

No one stepped up. So...

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5

Houston DT Ed Oliver

Remarkably, a true freshman defensive tackle for a Group of 5 team ranks in the top five nationally with 19 tackles for loss and leads all D-linemen nationally in tackles (61) and pass breakups (nine).

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4

Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey

You forgot about him? Last year's runner-up shredded Cal for 284 rushing yards. Despite a midseason slump he yet again leads the nation in all-purpose yards (205.6 per game).

3

Alabama QB Jalen Hurts

The freshman continues to carry Alabama's offense, accounting for 204 of the Tide's 332 yards and three of their four TDs against Chattanooga. He's completing 65 percent of his passes.

2

Oklahoma WR Dede Westbrook

I've been slow to acknowledge that Westbrook is the Sooners' best Heisman candidate. He's racked up 1,200 yards and 15 TDs during OU's current eight-game winning streak.

1

Louisville QB Lamar Jackson

After coming up for air from those 11 sacks Thursday, a reminder that Jackson on the season has thrown for 3,109 yards, rushed for 1,367 and produced 47 TDs against nine turnovers.